THC’s Pyschoactive Properties in Glandular Trichomes

Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals derived from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these chemicals and research has shown that it has anti inflammatory properties to heal animals with nervous system disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another one of these compounds that wields a psychoactive effect in animals. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found in the endogenous cannabinoid system and allow cannabinoids to bind and do their job in the body. This paper will look at THC’s ability to be stored in the cavity of glandular trichomes.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase is the enzyme responsible for the making of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive constituent of marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.). This paper flirts with the idea of that THCA is biosynthesized in the storage cavity of the glandular trichomes because of selective expression of THCA synthase in the secretory cells of glandular trichomes by reverse transcription–PCR (RT–PCR) analysis. This basically means that THC is a good anti inflammatory and can possibly be beneficial in humans. Transgenic tobacco expressing THCA synthase fused to green fluorescent protein showed fluorescence in the trichome head relating to the storage cavity. These conclusions also displayed that secretory cells of the glandular trichomes secrete not only metabolites but also biosynthetic enzyme.

Cannabis has an anti inflammatory effect

Cannabis sativa contains various cannabinoids that share a parallel structure to THCA. For example, cannabidiolic acid and cannabichromenic acid are isomers of THCA having contrasting ring structures. Researchers here have indicated that these cannabinoids are biosynthesized from the common substrate CBGA, via a mechanism similar to that of the THCA synthase response. Therefore, these cannabinoids might also be biosynthesized in the storage cavity of the glandular trichome, and may be in cahoots with the self-defense in the Marijuana plant. It is of interest why C. sativa produces such a variety of cannabinoids and whether these cannabinoids have contrasting physiological functions.

Registered with the British Psychological Society, breaking the taboo on mental health issues is one of the driving forces in Jonathan's life. His background in biomedicine gives him additional understanding of the factors that work together to influence the human condition.